Identity Theft, Stolen Checks, and/or Stolen Credit Cards
1. Contact one of the three credit reporting agencies. A Fraud Alert will be automatically placed on each of your credit reports within 24 hours.
Ask them to include messages on your credit report indicating that no new credit should be granted without your personal approval. This is generally for Identity Theft and Stolen Credit Cards.
CREDIT BUREAU FRAUD DEPARTMENTS |
| Equifax: |
1(800)525-6285 |
www.equifax.com |
PO BOX 740241
Atlanta, GA 30374-0241 |
| Experian: |
1(888)397-3742 |
www.experian.com |
PO BOX 9554
Allen, TX 75013 |
| TransUnion: |
1(800)680-7289 |
www.transunion.com |
Fraud Victim Assistance Division
PO BOX 6970
Fullerton, CA 92834-6790
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2. Contact the security departments of the appropriate creditors or financial institutions for all accounts that have been fraudulently accessed or opened. Ask each creditor to provide you and your investigating law enforcement agency with copies of the documents showing fraudulent transactions. You may have difficulty getting this documentation, but do not give up. You will need this information to help track down the perpetrator.
- An initial police report should be made by calling 911. The police will need copies of all documentation of fraudulent activities, including transactions and Affidavits of Forgery. Often the credit card companies and financial institutions will only provide this documentation to the account holder and not the police. The police department must have this documentation to follow through with their investigation. You will need to provide a copy of the police report to the creditors and banks for verification that you are the victim. A copy of your report can be obtained by calling (218)730-5590.
If you develop additional information after the initial report, call the Duluth Police Financial Crimes Unit at (218)730-5160.
- You may also report fraudulent activities to state or Federal agencies and obtain additional information at the following websites:
THEFT PREVENTION TIPS:
- Do not leave your purse or wallet unattended or unsecured (while shopping, at work, in your car, etc.)
- Do not keep your keys with documents describing where you live or which show your address.
- Do not carry credit cards or checks with you which you do not regularly used.
- Do not carry your social security card with you.
- Keep a list of valuable items that are in your purse or wallet, along with customer service phone numbers, so you can cancel and report items if they are stolen.
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